The best tools to improve French language ability for Canadian PR include a variety of resources for those already in Canada and those not in the country.
In recent months, Express Entry started conducting targeted category-based draws for applicants in the federal pool who fit Canada’s economic and demographic objectives. Those who speak French well are one of these potential groupings for 2023.
Inviting candidates who speak French and conducting draws with significantly reduced Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores than other category-based selection draws and all-program Express Entry draws, IRCC has already held targeted draws for this group.
As a result, many people in Canada and overseas are deciding to learn French to improve their chances of receiving a visa for Canadian permanent residence.
Resources for persons living in and outside of Canada, along with information on how to use them in language study, are as follows:
Best tools to improve French language ability for Canadian PR – the various phases of learning a language
Language acquisition can be divided into five steps, according to American linguist and educational researcher Stephen Krashen:
First stage: mute/receptive
Depending on the learner, this learning phase could last anywhere from a few hours to multiple months. New language learners often pick up vocabulary and work on uttering new words throughout this time. While they might talk to themselves, they typically don’t do so with any real eloquence or knowledge.
The second phase: initial production
The duration of this stage, which usually lasts six months, allows language learners to understand up to 1,000 words. Additionally, even if their brief utterances are grammatically incorrect, they might start learning certain words to speak and developing short phrases.
The third phase: the emergence of speech
By this point, most pupils possess a vocabulary of up to 3,000 words and have acquired the art of communicating by integrating words into simple phrases, sentences, and inquiries. Even though they might not be grammatically perfect, this is a vital stage where they begin to read and write in their second language and enhance their understanding thereof.
The fourth phase: intermediate fluency
Students’ vocabulary during this period, which might extend for a year or longer after speech emergence, may exceed 6,000 words on an average scale. They typically develop the potential to express themselves verbally. Whereas in writing, they begin using longer and more complicated sentences. Additionally, during this critical time, learners start to think in their second language. As a result, it improves their ability to speak it.
Fifth Stage: Ongoing linguistic growth/advanced fluency
Most students need at least two years to get to this point and up to ten years to understand the intricacies and complexities of the second language fully. For second language learners to stay fluent, they need regular chances to converse and articulate their thoughts in their target language.
Best tools to improve French language ability for Canadian PR – those outside Canada
Online tools are available for those outside Canada who want to improve their French. Some of the most prevalent options are as follows:
Rosetta Stone
It is a website that offers a range of services, such as its application, speech recognition technologies, and bite-sized lessons. Its immersive teaching method aids in the fluency and comprehension development of first- and second-stage language learners. The site is excellent for learning new words and honing pronunciation. Rosetta Stone offers a range of pricing options to provide economic language instruction, but it does have a price.
Babbel
It is a language acquisition course that prioritizes acquiring language and valuable vocabulary. The software aims to convey information using a recurrent manner that enables language learning reinforcement. The software also provides users with the real-world dialogues, vocabulary, and useful themes required for Language Development in Stages 1, 2, and 3.
Busuu
It is a free digital platform and application that emphasizes group practice. Busuu separates itself from its network of language speakers through live practice sessions, even though the program does assist with fundamental vocabulary and sentence construction. It is the ideal app for stage three, stage four, and stage five learners who seek portable and handy lessons to learn on the go and solidify their language base.
Preply
It is an online resource that assists in connecting language learners with teachers possessing proficiency in that particular language. In some cases, it even provides sample lessons. The website offers several filter options and can even direct users toward tutors who have knowledge of particular learning needs. Preparing for an immigration language test is one instance. Additionally, people can use it at any stage of their language learning. This is because of the highly personalized nature of the learning paradigm.
Italki
It is another online resource facilitating communication between tutors and language students, much like Preply. Users can search for teachers on Italki using a variety of parameters. This includes factors based on their needs for language learning, budget, and time. The prices of the tutors on the platform vary, and many of them know recognized immigration language tests. Any step of the language learning process can benefit from using Italki.
Best tools to improve French language ability for Canadian PR – those already in Canada
While candidates in Canada will also have access to all of the materials listed above, individuals who are currently there can also gain from the following resources:
Government assistance
Provincial and local governments may provide free language-learning assistance to temporary residents (those with student and employment visas). This may vary significantly depending on where one lives and the relevant local governmental authority. It is essential to conduct a web search for newcomer helping organizations in your region to learn more, and then get in touch with the relevant service provider to determine your eligibility. These services may be available at every level of the language learning process, depending on the language learning supports that are provided.
Mauril
Mauril is a Canadian program that approaches language learning in an original way. The app concentrates on Canadian audio and video content to aid users in developing their listening and comprehension skills. The app aids stage one, two, and four learners by offering Canadian-focused content, assisting these users in learning more about Canadian culture and linguistic peculiarities, in addition to helping them develop fundamental comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Part-time courses and continuing education
Many Canadian institutions, colleges, and private businesses also provide part-time courses to those already employed or enrolled in full-time studies. You may find out what classes are offered nearby by conducting a fast web search. Even though it could be more expensive, these programs may cover all levels of language learning based on the range of courses they provide, providing students with a community in which to practice and improve their French.
